Politics: Legalized weed and universal healthcare just took a huge step forward in New York

Democrats took control of the Albany statehouse from the GOP, and many triumphing on platforms based on universal healthcare and legal marijuana.

Democrats have taken control of the state senate from the Republicans, who have controlled it almost uninterrupted for the last 70 years.

This could have a huge impact on the state, with Democrats pledging to enact policies like universal healthcare, and running on platforms like the legalization of marijuana.

The Senate victory removed the last GOP stronghold, as Democrats already hold the state's assembly and governorship.

Democrats have taken control of the New York State Senate after 70 years of near-permanent GOP control — and it could have a huge impact on the state, with possible consequences ranging from a push to legalize weed, to the introduction of universal healthcare.

Democrats have hardly ever been in control of the New York's senate before. According to the New York Times, the party has held the upper house for a total of less than three years since 1945.

Election results on Wednesday changed that, seeing Democrats win Republican-held seats, unseating five incumbents and giving the party solid control of the chamber, with 40 seats to 23.

Jessica Post, executive director for the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, said in a statement on Tuesday: "With Democrats’ leadership in the state solidified, New York can pass policies previously blocked by Republicans to expand health care coverage, address climate change, and ensure women retain the right to make their own medical decisions."